Your car’s braking system is crucial for safe driving. It allows you to bring your car to a sudden halt during any unforeseen obstacles. But endured wear and tear can cause your brakes to become ineffective over time, compromising your vehicle’s control.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of car brakes, exploring the different parts of a braking system and when repairs or replacements are necessary.
Understanding Your Braking System
There are many moving parts in a braking system working together to bring your car to a stop. Here’s a breakdown of the crucial elements in your braking system:
- Brake Pads: These are the friction materials that come into contact with the rotors to slow down your wheels. They wear down over time and need to be replaced periodically.
- Brake Rotors: Also known as discs, these are the smooth metal surfaces that the brake pads clamp onto. Rotors can warp or wear unevenly, requiring resurfacing or replacement.
- Calipers: These house the brake pads and pistons. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure from the brake fluid pushes the pistons in the calipers, forcing the pads against the rotors.
- Brake Lines and Hoses: These are the flexible tubes that carry brake fluid from the master cylinder (located near the brake pedal) to the calipers.
- Master Cylinder: This is the pump that pressurizes the brake fluid when you press the pedal.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): This is a sophisticated system that prevents wheel lockup during hard braking, ensuring you maintain steering control.
Signs You Need Brake Repair or Replacement
Now that you’ve understood the different parts of your braking system, it will be easier to identify the telltale signs that indicate your brakes need attention. Here are a few to watch out for:
Grinding Noises
A grinding sound when you brake is a classic sign that your brake pads are worn down.. The sound comes from a metal piece built into the brake pads, which are grinding against the rotors. This happens when the brake pads have become extremely thin.
So when you can hear grinding noises, it is most likely that you require a brake pad replacement. This can also be checked by inspection whether the brake pads are less than a quarter-inch thick. It is important to note that brake pads wear down the fastest and typically need replacing every 25,000 to 50,000 miles depending on your driving habits.
There could be another reason for this squealing sound: glazed pads. This happens when you brake excessively and the temperature exceeds the brake pads limit. This causes glazed pads, where the glassy smooth surface prevents necessary friction with the rotor. In this case, you need to replace the brake pads and also clean the rotors or replace them if necessary.
Vibrating Brake Pedal
If you have a pulsating or shaking brake pedal, this can be a sign of warped rotors i.e. uneven rotors. Warped rotors cause the brake pads to press unevenly, leading to vibrations you feel in the pedal or steering wheel. This usually happens when brake pads get stuck on the rotors, causing friction even when you’re not braking. This heat buildup can warp the rotors. For a smooth ride, your brake rotors need to have even thickness throughout.
Warped rotors can be fixed by resurfacing on a brake lathe, smoothening the rotors, and removing corrosion/brake pad deposits. However, this only works if there’s enough rotor material left. Otherwise, new rotors are needed.
Soft Brake Pedal
A brake pedal that goes down too easily without much resistance could indicate a problem with the brake lines, calipers, or master cylinder.
- Brake Line: Brake lines are made of steel tubing and can corrode over time. The rust creates small holes which allow the brake fluid to leak and lead to a loss of hydraulic pressure. This reduces the braking power.
In the case of corroded and brittle brake lines, a replacement is essential. Otherwise, soft brake pedals compromise the safety and efficiency of your vehicle.
Sometimes, a soft brake pedal can also be caused by air in the brake lines, which hinders the flow of the brake fluid and leads to spongy brakes. The easy fix to this is flushing out the old fluid and replacing it with new. - Calipers: They can become corroded over time, which can damage the seal and cause brake fluid to leak. Leaky calipers can cause the brake pedal to feel soft and “spongy”.
In some cases, calipers can be repaired by replacing the seals. However, depending on the severity of the damage, they may need to be replaced entirely. - The master cylinder is an important part of the brake system. It stores brake fluid, generates pressure, and distributes it to the brakes. The master cylinder can wear out and develop leaks. These leaks can also lead to a loss of pressure and a soft or low brake pedal.
A worn-out master cylinder usually requires replacement.
Why Do Your Brakes Get Damaged?
A vehicle’s brakes have a limited lifespan, after which they need to be replaced. However, it is also your driving habits that play a role in accelerating brake wear and tear. Frequent braking, carrying heavy loads, aggressive driving, and acceleration can all significantly increase brake wear. These actions generate excessive heat, causing components like brake pads and rotors to wear down quickly. Over time, worn brakes can lead to reduced stopping power, increased stopping distances, and even complete brake failure. To prevent these dangers, it’s crucial to get your brakes inspected by a qualified mechanic at the first sign of trouble. Early detection allows for timely repairs or replacements, ensuring optimal braking performance and keeping you safe on the road.
Looking for Brake Repair or Replacement in Jacksonville, FL?
Look no further than Crossroads Auto Repair and Service. We are here to solve all your brake-related concerns, whether it is warped rotors, leaking calipers, or worn-out brake pads. With 20+ years of experience and a team full of skilled technicians, we are dedicated to providing you with a top-notch experience.
Call Us Now at +1 904 726-5446 or book an appointment online.